Article carrier



March 12, 1968 E. ARNESON ARTICLE CARRIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 13, 1961 INVENTOR.

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March 12, 1968 E. L. ARNESON 3,372,800

ARTICLE CARRIER Filed Sept. 13, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 a 46 4g INVENTOR. 27 25 36 26 4/ [Mania/#25507;

March 12, 1968 E. ARNESON 3,372,800

ARTICLE CARRIER Filed Sept. 13, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 12, 1968 E. ARNESON 3,372,800

ARTICLE CARRIER Filed Sept. 13, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 3; Q @UEUm/k v Y v r: i Y 4 iwaz l/iZ w ,7 32/ l H 31 r I i I i I w {H I 62 w ww a i EIIEII: l 1 M 53 37 629 m 4 INVENTOR.

fazz/azldrizeaorz, BY

March 12, 1968 E. L. ARNESON 3,3

ARTICLE CARRIER Filed Sept. 15, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent Ofitice 3,372,896 Patented Mar. 12, 1968 3,372,800 ARTICLE CARRIER Edwin L. Arneson, Morris, 11]., assignor to Federal Paper Board Company, Inc., Bogota, N.J., a corporation of New York Filed Sept. 13, 1961, Ser. No. 137,892 11 Claims. (Cl. 20665) This invention relates to packaging and is more particularly concerned with improvements in a package unit comprising a tubular carton or carrier and a plurality of cylindrical articles such as cans of a beverage or the like which are arranged in row formation therein.

In the marketing of canned products, such as beer, soft drinks and similar materials, various packaging units have been developed which are characterized by an open ended tube formed by wrapping a properly cut and creased paperboard blank tightly about a group of the cans, with the cans arranged in row formation generally two rows of three cans each. Many of these package units have been used extensively but most of them have not been found entirely satisfactory because adequate provision is not made for retaining the cans in the wrapper, particularly the end cans in the rows, so as to prevent their dropping out accidentally with ordinary handling of the carrier or package unit.

It is a general object, therefore, of the present invention to provide a can carrier or carton which is fabricated with maximum economy of materials from a single sheet of cardboard or the like and which is cut and scored so that it may be wrapped around an assembly of at least two rows of cans so as to form an open ended tube with adequate provision for firmly anchoring the cans so as to hold them from movement out of the open ends of the carton.

his a further object of the invention to provide a can carrier of the type in which a cut and scored paperboard blank is tightly wrapped about a double row assembly of cans with provisions for anchoring the cans against movement out of the ends of the carrier by firmly anchoring inner edge portions of the cans, at least at one end thereof, in recesses in a partition forming member of outwardly opening, V-shaped section which extends inwardly of a container wall disposed in face engagement with the cans at one end thereof.

It is another object of the invention to provide a can carrier of the type which is formed by a paperboard blank cut and scored so as to fold about two or more rows of cans with a longitudinal partition member which is integral with the container wall at one end of the cans, which is folded inwardly thereof so as to extend longitudinally of the carrier between the rows of cans, and which is provided with apertures for engaging therein end edge portions of the cans.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a can carrier which is formed from a single sheet of paperboard or like sheet material cut and scored to provide, when wrapped about a group of at least two rows of cans, an open ended sleeve with a top panel, a bottom panel and side panels, and a longitudinal partition member integral with either the top or bottom panel which is folded inwardly so as to extend between the rows of cans and with cut out connecting flaps which are integral with one of the two panel sections resulting from the infolding of the longitudinal partition member, and which are adhesively secured to the adjoining panel section so as to tie together the two rows of cans with the end edges of the cans engaging in recesses provided in the longitudinal partition member between the same thereby to form a tightly Wrapped package unit in which the cans are firmly anchored against movement out of the open ends of the carrier.

It is a further and more specific object of the invention to provide a can package, of a type which comprises an assembly of two rows of three cans each disposed within an open ended tubular container which is formed from a single sheet of paperboard or like material cut and scored so that it may be wrapped tightly about the rows of cans, wherein longitudinally extending can separating and anchoring partition forming panel members are provided which are integral with the top and bottom walls of the container, which are folded inwardly so that they are disposed between the rows of cans in the form of longitudinally extending ribs having a V-shaped cross section and which have apertures cut therein for receiving top and bottom edge portions of the cans so as to firmly anchor the cans against movement either vertically or longitudinally of the container, and wherein the rows of cans are tightly tied together by connecting flaps which are cut from the top and bottom container walls, with the flaps each extending in the plane of the wall from which it is taken so as to bridge the partition members and secure together in connected wall forming relation the two wall sections which result when the partition forming panel members are folded inwardly thereof.

It is another object of the invention to provide in a packaging unit which comprises two rows of cans enclosed in a tubular wraparound carrier, center longitudinal partition members extending inwardly of the top and bottom carrier walls and between the rows which partition members are formed by infolded panels providing a generally V-shaped cross section with apertures in the panels in which edge portions of the chines of the cans are seated so that portions of the panels at the apertures are curved around the cans and held under tension against the can bodies and beneath the chines thereby preventing movement of the cans in either vertical or horizontal directions.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the several forms of packaging unit which are shown. by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a packaging unit comprising two rows of three cans each enclosed in a tubular carton or carrier which embodies therein the principal features of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an end elevation of the packaging unit of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 2A is a fragmentary section taken on the line 2A-2A of FIGURE 2, to an enlarged scale;

FIGURE 3 is a cross section taken on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3A is a fragmentary section taken on line 3A-3A of FIGURE 1, to an enlarged scale;

FIGURE 4 is a partial section taken on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a partial section taken on the line 55 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view of the inside face of the blank of paperboard which is cut and scored preparatory to forming the carrier for the packaging unit of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 is a top the packaging unit;

FIGURE 8 is a bottom plan view of the packaging unit of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a plan view of the inside face of the blank of paperboard which is cut and scored preparatory to forming the carrier for the packaging unit of FIGURE 7;- FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of another modified rm of the packaging unit;

FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the inside face of the plan view of a modified form of blank of paperboard which is cut and scored preparatory to forming the carrier for the packaging unit of FIGURE FIGURE 12 is a perspective View of a further modified form of the packaging unit;

FIGURE 13 is a partial cross section taken on the line 1313 of FIGURE 12; and

FIGURE 14 is a plan view with portions broken away of the inside face of the blank of paperboard which is cut and scored preparatory to forming the carrier for the packaging unit of FIGURE 12.

Referring to FIGURES 1 to 6 of the drawings, there is illustrated a packaging unit which embodies the principal features of the invention as applied to the packaging of six beverage cans of the type which have chines at each end of the can. The packaging unit comprises an assembly or group of the cans 10 arranged in two rows of three cans each in side-by-side relation and enclosed in a wrapper or carrier 11 formed from a single blank of paperboard or other material which is relatively flexible and bendable, which is capable of being cut and folded into tubular form as shown and which has sufiicient strength and rigidity to support the cans which it is designed to receive.

The open ended, tube-like carrier or carton 11 is formed from a paperboard blank 12 which is cut and creased or scored as illustrated in FIGURE 6. The blank 12 is of elongate, generally rectangular form and is divided by parrallel, longitudinally spaced, transverse score lines 13, 14, 15 and 16 into five sections 17, 18, 19, and 21. The blank sections 18 and 20 constitute a pair of side wall forming panels which are of identical size and shape. The blank section 19 which separates the two side wall forming panels 18 and 20 constitutes a top wall and top longitudinal row separator or partition member and the section 17 at the one end of the blank which has the same overall dimensions as the section 19 constitutes a bottom wall and bottom longitudinal row separator or partition member. The relatively narrow section 21 at the other end of the blank forms a connecting glue flap. The blank is out along its side edges as illustrated so as to reduce the amount of material employed to a minimum and provide for nesting of the blanks in cutting the same from a wide web or sheet. The two side wall forming panels 18 and 20, which are cut away at the side edges of the blank, have a dimension in the transverse direction of the blank which corresponds approximately to twice the diameter of a can 10.

The blank end section 17 is subdivided by transversely extending medial score line 22 and equally spaced parallel score lines 23 and 24 extending along opposite sides thereof so as to define between the score lines two relatively narrow partition forming panels 25 and 26 and, on opposite sides of the score lines, top wall forming panels 27 and 28 of equal size. Two pairs of generally C-shaped slits 29 and 29 of identical character are cut in the blank adjacent the opposite sides thereof so as to interrupt the score lines 23 and 24 as shown. The slits 29 and 29' are spaced equal distances inwardly of the side edges of the blank, the exact location of these slits being determined by the size of the cans 10 so that when the cut and scored blank 12 is wrapped around the assembly of cans portions of the chines of the end cans will be received in the apertures formed in the panels 25 and 26 by cutting therein the slits 29 and 29'. A pair of panel connecting flaps or glue tabs 30 and 31 are cut in the center of the blank section 17 in the area between the two score lines 23 and 24 which tabs are formed by U-shaped cuts made so that the bight portion of the U coincides with a portion of the one score line 23 while the ends of the legs of the U terminate at the score line 24 so that the portions of the two panels 25 and 26 which extend between the tabs 30 and 31 and the side edges of the blank are free to fold upon themselves about the center score line 22. The glue tabs 30 and 31 are laterally spaced and longitudinal partition panel portions 32 and 33 extend between the same which are reduced in width by offsetting inwardly of the score lines 23 and 24 the center portions 34 and 35 of these score lines. The panel portions 32 and 33 are adapted to hinge on the score lines 34 and 35 and the latter are interrupted by C-shaped cutting lines 36 and 3'7 which face in opposite directions with the leg portions thereof terminating at the score lines 34 and 35 so as to form apertures in the panels 32 and 33 for receiving bottom edge portions of the center pair of cans.

The blank section 19 which forms the top wall and top longitudinal partition is subdivided by a median score line 33 and a pair of parallel score lines 39 and 40 equally spaced on opposite sides thereof so as to define between these score lines two relatively narrow partition forming panels 41 and 42 and on opposite sides of the score lines top wall forming panels 43 and 44. Two pairs of C-shaped slits 45 and 45' of the same character as the slits 29 and 29' are cut in the blank so as to interrupt the score lines 39 and 41 as shown. The slits 45 and 45 are spaced inwardly of the side edges of the blank the same distance as the corresponding slits 29 and 29' in the bottom wall forming blank section 17. These slits 45 and 45 provide apertures for receiving top edge portions of the cans when the blank is wrapped about the can assembly. A connecting glue flap 46 is cut in the center portion of the blank section 19 so as to extend across the panels 41 and 42 and into the top wall panel 44. The glue tab 46 is cut on parallel, transversely spaced lines 47 and 48 and on a recurved transverse line 49 connecting the ends of the lines 47 and 48, the line 49 defining the free edge of the tab 46 and the latter being adapted to hinge about the center portion 50 of the transverse score line 39. At the free edge of the tab 46 the cutting line 49 bends inwardly or in the direction of the hinge line 50 a sufficient distance to permit a small separating tab 51 for the center cans to be cut in the blank so as to hinge about a transverse score line 52 which is parallel with and offset inwardly relative to the score line 40 in the direction of the medial score line 38. The score line 52 is interrupted at the center by a small C-shaped cut 53 opening in the direction of the panel 44 so as to provide an aperture for receiving top edge portions of the center cans. A pair of bendable tabs 54 and 55 are cut in the corners of the connecting flap 46 and extend into the panel 43 so as to hinge about the transversely spaced, longitudinal score lines 56 and 57. A tear out section is provided in the panel 43 by cutting therein the tab 58 and the weakening or tearing lines or slits 59. This completes the cutting and scoring of the blank which can, of course, be shipped to the user in the flat condition shown in FIGURE 6.

In assembling the carton or carrier forming wrapper blank 12 with the cans 10, the blank 12 is folded into tubular form about an assembly of the cans 10 which comprises three cans in each of two rows in side-by-s-ide relation with the two rows separated longitudinally. The rows of cans are placed on either the bottom or top wall forming panels 27, 28 or 43, 44 and the adjoining panels are folded about the assembly with the glue fiap 21 overlapping and being adhesively or otherwise secured to the margin of the panel 27 at the end of the blank. The panel connecting or locking flap or tab 46 on the top forming section 19 of the blank and the panel connecting or locking flaps or tabs 30, 31 on the bottom forming section 17 of the blank are folded out of the plane of the panels from which they are cut so as to permit application of glue to the portions of the inside faces thereof which will overlap the panels 27 and 44, to which they are secured in the finished package. The package assembly is then compressed laterally and at the same time the can separating or partition forming panels 25, 26, 32, 33, 41, 42 and 51 are turned inwardly towards the center of the assembiy so as to extend between the two rows of cans at the top and bottom of the unit. When the two rows of cans are brought tightly together the panel connecting or locking flaps 30, 31 and 46 are turned onto the bottom 53 and top wall panels 27 and 44 and secured thereto so as to form a tight package unit with the cans firmly anchored at the center of the package and locked in position so that they are restrained against movement in both vertical and longitudinal directions.

A modified form of the packaging unit is illustrated in FIGURES 7 to 9 of the drawings. In this form, two rows of cans 70 (FIGURES 7 and 8) are enclosed in an open ended tubular carrier or carton 71 which is formed by wrapping around the assembly of cans the paperboard blank 72, the latter being cut and scored as illustrated in FIGURE 9.

The blank 72 is of elongate, generally rectangular form and is divided by parallel, longitudinally spaced, transverse score lines 73, 74, 75 and 76 into five sections 77, 78, 79, 80 and 81. The blank sections 78 and 80 constitute a pair of side wall forming panels which are of identical size and shape. The blank section 79 which separates the two side wall forming panels 78 and 80 constitutes the top wall and top longitudinal row separator or partition member. The section 77 at the one end of the blank which has the same overall dimensions as the section 79 constitutes a bottom wall and bottom longitudinal row separator or partition member. The relatively narrow section 81 at the other end of the blank forms a connecting lock flap which is adapted to be secured to the end margin of the blank section 77. The blank 72 is cut along its side edges as illustrated so as to reduce the amount of material employed to a minimum and provide for nesting of the blanks when cutting the same from a Wide web or sheet. The two side wall forming panels 78 and 80, which are cut away at the side edges of the blank, have a dimension in a transverse direction of the blank which corresponds approximately to twice the diameter of the can 70. The blank is otherwise cut and scored so that it is symmetrical about a longitudinal center line aa.

The end section 77 of the blank is subdivided by a transversely extending medial score line 82 and equally spaced parallel score lines 83 and 84 extending along opposite sides thereof so as to define between the score lines two relatively narrow partition forming panels 85 and 86 and, on opposite sides of these score lines, bottom wall forming panel sections 87 and 88 of approximately equal size. Two pairs of generally C-shaped slits 89 and 89 of identical character are cut in the blank adjacent the opposite sides thereof so as to interrupt the score lines 83 and 84 as shown. The slits 89 and 89 are spaced equal distances inwardly of the side edges of the blank, the exact location thereof being determined by the size of the cans so that when the cut and scored blank 12 is wrapped around the assembly of cans portions of the chines of the end cans will be received in the apertures for-med in the panels 85 and 86 by cutting therein the slits 89 and 89'. A panel connecting glue tab 90 is cut in the center of the blank section 77 in the area between the two score lines 83 and 84 which tab is formed by a U-shaped out which is made so that the bight portion of the U coincides with a portion of the score line 83 while the ends of the legs of the U terminate at the score line84 whereby the portions of the two panels 85 and 86 which extend between the glue tab 30 and the side edges of the blank are free to fold upon themselves about the medial score line 82. The end marginal portion of the blank section 77 or the panel 87 is provided with three locking apertures comprising the center aperture 91 and the two equally spaced side apertures 92 and 92' which are adapted to cooperate with locking tab elements provided on the connecting flap 81 at the other end of the blank. The cut which defines the innermost edge or base of each of the apertures 91, 92 and 92 and which is indicated at 95 in the center aperture 91 is extended at its ends beyond the side edges of the aperture as shown. At the other end of the blank and in the blank section 81 three locking tab formations 93, 94 and 94' are provided. The

locking tab formations are each formed in the same manner and hinged on a transverse score line 96 which parallels the score line 76 and which is spaced therefrom in the direction of the end of the blank. Since the locking tab formations are formed in an identical manner only the center one will be described in detail. The main body of the tab formation 93 extends between the transverse score line 96 and a parallel, outwardly spaced score line 97. An outer locking tongue 98 of semi-circular shape is hinged on the score line 97 and provided with inwardly projecting slits 99. An inner locking tongue 100 is formed by a C-shaped cut along the score line 96 which extends into the base portion of the panel 81.

The blank section 79 which forms the top wall and top longitudinal partition is subdivided by a medial score line 101 and a pair of parallel score lines 102 and 103 equally spaced on opposite sides thereof so as to define between these score lines two relatively narrow partition forming panels 104 and 105 and, on opposite sides of the score lines, top wall forming panel sections 106 and 107. Two pairs of C-shaped slits 108 and 108' of the same character as the slits 89 and 89' are cut in the blank so as to interrupt the score lines 102 and 103 as shown. The slits 108 and 108' are spaced inwardly of the side edges of the blank the same distances as corresponding slits 89 and 89' in the bottom wall forming blank section 77. These slits 108 and 108' provide apertures for receiving top edge portions of the cans when the blank is wrapped about the can assembly. A connecting glue flap 110 is cut in the center portion of the blank section 79 so as to extend across the panels 104 and 105 and into the top wall panel section 107. The glue flap 110 is cut on parallel, transversely spaced lines 111 and 112 and on a transverse line 113 connecting the ends of the lines 111 and 112, the line 113 defining the free edge of the flap 110 and the latter being adapted to hinge about the center portion 114 of the transverse score line 102. A pair of bendable tabs 115 and 115' are cut in the corners of the connecting flap 110 and extend into the panel section 106 so as to hinge about the transversely spaced, longitudinal score lines 116 and 116'. A tear out section is provided in the panel 106 by cutting therein the tab 117 and the weakening or tearing lines or slits 118.

In assembling the package unit the blank 72 is wrapped about the cans 70 which are arranged in two rows of three cans each in side-by-side relation on the top or bottom wall forming sections of the blank with the two rows of cans spaced apart a predetermined distance. The adjoining wall panels are folded about the assembly with the connecting flap 81 overlying the bottom wall panel section 87. The locking tab formations 93, 94 and 94 are engaged in the locking apertures 91, 92 and 92' to connect the panel members 81 and 87 so as to form an open ended tube. The connecting flap 110 on the top Wall forming section 79 and the connecting flap 90 on the bottom wall forming section 77 of the blank are folded out of the plane of the panels from which they are cut so as to permit application of glue to the portions of the inside faces thereof which will overlap the panels 107 and 87 to which they are secured in the finished package. The package assembly is then compressed laterally and at the same time the can separating or partition forming panels 85, 86 and 104, 105 are turned down towards the center of the assembly so as to extend between the two rows of cans at the top and bottom of the unit. When the two rows of cans are brought tightly together the connecting flaps 90 and 110 are turned down onto the bottom and top wall members 87 and 107 and secured thereto so as to form a tight package unit with the end cans firmly anchored or locked in position by engagement of top and bottom edge portions in the apertures provided in the center rib forming panel members 85, 86 and 104, 105 whereby the cans are effectively rest-rained against movement in both vertical and longitudinal directions.

A further modification of the invention is illustrated in FIGURES l and 11. In this form of the packaging unit, an assembly of cans 120 comprising two rows of three cans each are enclosed in a tubular carton 121 which is formed from a paperboard blank 122. The blank 122 is of elongate, generally rectangular form and is divided as shown in FIGURE 11 by parallel, longitudinally spaced, transverse score lines 123, 124, 125 and 126 into five sections 127, 128, 129, 130 and 131. The blank sections 128 and 130 constitute a pair of side wall forming panels which are of identical size and shape and which have a width corresponding approximately to the length of a row of cans. The blank section 129 which separates the two side wall forming panels 128 and 13d constitutes a bottom wall and a bottom longitudinal row separator or partition member. The two end sections 127 and 131 of the blank are adapted to be overlapped to form the top wall of the carrier.

The transverse score lines 123, 124, 125 and 126 which divide the blank into wall forming panels constitute hinged corner connections between the side wall forming panels 128, 130 and the bottom and top wall forming panels 129, 127 and 131. The score lines 123, 124, 125 and 126 are each interrupted by generally C-shaped cuts 132 which are spaced transversely of the blank in accordance with the spacing of the cans 120 and which are arranged to form aligned pairs of apertures 133 in the top and bottom edges of the side wall forming panels 128 and 130 for receiving oppositely disposed portions of the chines at each end of the cans, the wrapper being folded tightly around the cans so that the chine portions are seated in the apertures 133.

The center section 129 of the blank is subdivided by a transversely extending medial score line 134 and equally spaced parallel score lines 135 and 136 eXtending along opposite sides thereof so as to define between the score 2 lines two relatively narrow partition forming panels 137 and 138 and, on opposite sides of the score lines, bottom wall forming panel sections 139 and 140 of equal size. Two pairs of apertures 141 and 141 of identical character are cut in the blank adjacent the opposite sides thereof so as to interrupt the score lines 135 and 136 as shown. The apertures 141 and 141 are spaced equal distances from the sides of the blank, the exact location depending upon the size of the cans, so that when the blank is wrapped about the assembly of cans portions of the chines of the end cans will be received in these apertures. A panel connecting glue tab 142 is cut in the center of the blank section 129 in the area between the score lines 135 and 136 which tab is formed by a U-shaped cut which is made so that the bight portion of the U coincides with a portion of the score line 135 while the ends of the legs of the U terminate at the score line 136 whereby the portions of the two panels 137 and 138 which extend between the glue tab 142 and the side edges of the blank are free to fold upon themselves about the medial score line 134. The end marginal portions of the blank sections 127 and 131 are cut out at 143, 143 and 144, 144 to provide finger holes for lifting the carrier.

In assembling the package unit the cans 120 are positioned in row forming relation on the bottom forming section 129 of the blank and the adjoining wall panels are folded about the assembly in the same manner as described with reference to the form of the carrier illustrated in FIGURES 7 to 9 so that portions of the bottom chines of the end cans are trapped in the apertures 141 and 141 while other portions on the opposite sides of the cans are seated in the bottom chine receiving openings 133. Also, portions of the top chines are seated in the top chine receiving openings 133 in the side walls 128 and 130. Thus the end cans in the two rows are firmly anchored at both sides at the bottom and on the outside at the top. While the center cans are anchored at the outside edges only they are restrained against movement by the firm anchoring of the end cans.

A still further modification of the invention is illustrated in FIGURES 12 to 14. In this form of the packaging unit, an assembly of cans 151), comprising two rows of three cans each, is enclosed in a tubular carton 151 which is formed from a paperboard blank 152. The blank 152 is of elongate, generally rectangular form and is cut and scored as shown in FIGURE 14 so that it is symmetrical about the longitudinal center line 21-13. The blank 152 is divided by parallel, longitudinally spaced, transverse score lines 153, 154, 155 and 156 into five sections 157, 158, 159, 16% and 161. The blank sections 158 and 160 constitute a pair of side wall forming panels which are of identical size and shape and which have a width corresponding approximately to the length of a row of cans. The blank section 159 which separates the two side wall forming panels 158 and 169 constitutes an end wall connecting corresponding edges of the side walls and also a longitudinal row separator or partition member. For convenience in description, it may be designated the top wall. The blank section 157 at the one end of the lank constitutes the other end wall, which may be designated the bottom wall, and also a longitudinal row separator or partition member. The blank section 157 has its margin connected to the glue flap forming section 161 at the other end of the blank when the carrier is assembled.

The transverse score lines 153, 154, 155 and 156 which divide the blank into wall forming panels constitute hinge forming corner connections between the side wall panels 158, 160 and the bottom and top or end wall forming panels 157 and 159. The score lines 153, 154, 155 and 156 are each interrupted by generally C-shaped cuts 162 which are spaced transversely of the blank in accordance with the spacing of the cans 150 and which are arranged to form aligned pairs of apertures 163 in the top and bo tom edges of the side wall forming panels 158 and 160 for receiving oppositely disposed outer portions of the chines at each end of the cans, the Wrapper being adapted to be folded tightly around the cans so that the chine portions are seated in the apertures 163.

The center section 159 of the blank is subdivided by a transversely extending medial line 164 and equally spaced, parallel score lines 165 and 166 extending along opposite sides thereof so as to define between the score lines two relatively narrow partition forming panels 167 and 168 and, on opposite sides of the score lines, bottom wall forming panel sections 169 and 170. The score lines 165 and 166 are each interrupted by generally C-shaped cuts 171 which are identical with the C-shaped cuts 162 and are also aligned with the same in the longitudinal direction of the blank. The C-shaped cuts 171 face in the direction opposite that of the corresponding cuts 162 in the adjacent edge forming score lines 154 and 155. The end panel 157 of the blank is subdivided in the same manner as the center panel 159 by medial score line 172 and equally spaced parallel score lines 173 and 174 extending along opposite sides of the score line 172 so as to define between the score lines two relatively narrow partition forming panels 175 and 176 and on opposite sides of the score lines the bottom wall forming panel sections 177 and 178. The score lines 173 and 174 are interrupted by C-shaped cuts 179 which are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the blank with the cuts 162 and 171 and which are arranged in the same manner as the cuts 171.

In assembling the package unit of FIGURES 12 to 14, the cans 150 are positioned in row forming relation on either the bottom or top forming section of the blank and the adjoining wall forming panels are folded about the assembly in the same manner as described with reference to the other forms of the carrier illustrated so that the blank is first formed into a tube and the two rows of cans are drawn into tight engagement by pressure on the outer sides while the longitudinal partition panels 167, 168 at the top of the package and 175, 176 at the bottom of the package are folded inwardly. While the package is compressed strips of sealing tape 180 and 181 are adhered to the top and bottom wall forming panels 16?, 170 and 177, 178 so as to tie the respective pairs of panels together into wall forming relation while the cans are held so that portions of the chines at the top and bottom edges of the oppositely disposed pairs of cans are in engagement and seated in the apertures formed by the cuts 171 and 179 in the center longitudinal partition panels. The portions of the longitudinal partition panels 167, 168 and 175, 176 which are adjacent the cuts 1'71 and 179 are wrapped or bent about the walls of the cans immediately adjacent the chines so as to tightly grip the cans and anchor them against both longitudinal and vertical movement in the center of the package. The outside edges of the chines are seated in the apertures at the corners of the carrier and assist in holding the cans firmly anchored in the carrier.

While the outside edge apertures have been shown only in the modifications of FIGURES to 14, like apertures may be used in the other forms of the invention, if desired, the side walls, of course, being lengthened as required. Also other combinations of the several longitudinal partition structures may be employed in the top and bottom Walls of the carrier.

The cut out 58 and tearing lines 59 in FIGURE 1 facilitate removal of the cans from the package. When the finger is inserted in the hole resulting from the tear out tab 58 and the material between the tearing lines 59 is torn loose from the top wall panel 43, the two panels 43 and 44 are free to move apart which permits the center longitudinal partition to unfold or open up and release the cans so that they may be readily removed out of the ends of the carrier.

In describing the several forms of the carrier which are illustrated, particular materials and specific details of construction have been referred to. However, it will be understood that other materials and different structural details may be resorted to within the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A can package comprising two rows of cans having chines at opposite ends thereof and a paperboard carton tightly enclosing the cans so as to form an open ended tubular carrier with portions of the carton walls at the ends of the cans being folded inwardly between the ends of the cans so as to form longitudinal partitions each having an outwardly opening V-shaped cross section and said partitions having apertures cut therein which receive portions of the chines of the cans in each row thereof whereby to firmly anchor the cans against movement in both vertical and longitudinal directions and to restrain the cans against movement out of the open ends of the carrier.

2. A can package comprising two rows of cans having chines at opposite ends thereof and a paperboard wrapper tightly drawn about the sides and ends of the cans so as to form an open ended tubular carrier with the walls thus formed at the ends of the cans having pairs of narrow integral panels taken from the center portions there of which are folded inwardly of the ends of the cans so as to form integral double ply, longitudinal partitions, said partitions having apertures cut therein which receive portions of the chines of the cans at each end and in each row thereof, and means overlying said partitions and connecting the remaining portions of the walls from which said narrow panels are taken in wall forming relation whereby to firmly secure the cans against movement in both vertical and longitudinal directions and to pre vent accidental dislodgement of the cans from the open ends of the carrier.

3. A can package comprising two rows of cans having chines at opposite ends thereof and a carton formed by a paperboard sheet wrapped tightly about the sides and ends of the cans with central portions of the walls thus formed at the ends of the cans being folded inwardly of the ends of the cans so as to form longitudinal partitions each having an outwardly opening V-shaped cross section, said partitions having apertures cut therein which receive portions of the chines of the cans in each row thereof, and connecting tab members cut from one of the two wall sections resulting from infolding the longitudinal partitions and secured to the other of said wall sections so as to bridge the partition and tie the two wall sections together whereby to firmly anchor the cans against movement in both vertical and longitudinal directions and to restrain the cans against movement out of the open ends of the carrier.

4. In a package for an assembly of cans of the type which have chines at each end thereof, an open ended tubular carton of paperboard or similar bendable material, said carton having top, bottom and side walls adapted to extend along the ends and sides of two rows of cans enclosed therein, said carton having a longitudinally ex tending can separating and anchoring partition projecting inwardly of the top and bottom walls between the two rows of cans, each of said top and bottom walls comprising two panel sections and each said longitudinally extending partition comprising a pair of relatively narrow, inwardly folded and hingedly connected panels which diverge outwardly so as to provide the partition with a V-shaped cross section and which are integrally hinged to each other and to the two sections of the respective wall from which they are infolded, each of said panels having chine engaging apertures in which edge portions of the cans are seated so as to firmly anchor the cans against movement out at the ends of the carton.

5. In a package as recited in claim 4 and connecting tabs in the top and bottom walls which are hinged to one of said wall sections resulting from the infolding of the longitudinal partition and connected to the other of said wall sections.

6. A package comprising an assembly of two rows of cylindrical containers and a folded paperboard carrier enclosing the assembly which carrier comprises a pair of side wall forming members and connecting wall forming members extending between the top and bottom edges of the side wall forming members, at least one of said connecting wall members having two panels hinged along their outer edges to the respective side wall forming members, a relatively narrow longitudinal center partition of outwardly opening V-shaped cross section which center partition is formed by infolding portions of said one connecting wall member, said infolded panel portions having apertures in which end edge portions of said containers are seated, and means connecting the inner margins of said two panels and extending in bridging relation across said longitudinal partition for holding said two panels in wall forming relation with the two rows of containers tightly bound together and restrained against movement out of the carrier.

7. A package comprising an assembly of two rows of cylindrical cans and a folded paperboard carton enclosing the assembly which carbon comprises a pair of side wall members and connecting wall members extending between the top and bottom edges of the side wall members, at least one of said connecting wall members having two panels hinged along their outer edges to the respective side wall forming members and connected at their inner edges by an integral, longitudinal partition which is formed by infolding narrow inner portions of said two panels, said infolded panel portions being disposed in outwardly diverging planes and providing the partition with a Vshaped cross section, said infolded panel portions having apertures in which end edge portions of said containers are received, and panel connecting flap means integral with one of said two panels and secured to the other of said two panels, said flap means extending across said longitudinal partition and holding said two panels in wall forming relation with the two rows of containers tightly bound together and firmly anchored against movement in the carton.

8. A package comprising an assembly of two rows of cans and a paperboard carrier folded tightly about the assembly which carrier comprises a pair of side wall members and connecting wall members extending between the top and bottom edges of the side wall members, said connecting wall members each comprising two panel sections hinged along their outer edges to the respective side wall members and integrally connected at their inner edges to a relatively narrow longitudinal partition of V-shaped cross section which portion extends inwardly of said connecting wall member and is formed by infolding adjacent portions at the inner edges of the two panels of said connecting wall member, said infolded panel portions having apertures in which end edge portions of at least the end cans of both rows thereof are seated, and one or more glue flaps connecting said two panels adjacent their inner edges which glue flaps extend across said longitudinal partition for holding said partition forming panel portions in infolded relation and said two panels in wall forming relation with the two rows of cans tightly bound together and restrained against movement out of the carrier.

9. A package as recited in claim 8 and a single infolded tab integral with one of said two wall forming panels and extending in partition forming relation between the center cans of the two rows thereof.

10. A package comprising an assembly of two rows of cylindrical cans and a folded paperboard carrier enclosing the assembly which carrier comprises a pair of side wall forming members and connecting wall forming members extending between the top and bottom edges of the side wall forming members, said connecting wall members each having two panel sections hinged along their outer edges to the respective side wall forming members and connected at their inner edges by a relatively narrow longitudinal partition of V-shaped cross section which is formed by infolding adjacent portions of said two panels, said infolded panel portions being disposed between the rows at the ends of the cans and having apertures in which end edge portions of the cans are seated, and means connecting the two panels of each of said connecting wall members and bridging said longitudinal partition for holding said panels in wall forming relation with the two rows of cans tightly bound together and restrained against movement out of the carrier.

11. In a package comprising an assembly of two rows of cans and a folded paperboard carrier enclosing the assembly, said carrier comprising a pair of side wall forming members and top and bottom wall forming members extending between the top and bottom edges of the side wall forming members, said top and bottom wall members each having two panel sections hingedly connected along their outer edges to the respective side wall forming members, said panel sections having a width less than the diameter of the cans and having their inner edges spaced from each other and connected to a relatively narrow longitudinal partition of V-shaped cross section which partition comprises two relatively narrow infolded panels, said infolded anels having formations for engaging edge portions of each of the cans so that movement of the cans either vertically or longitudinally of said partition is prevented, and means connecting said two panel sections and extending in bridging relation across said longitudinal partition for holding said two panel sections in wall forming relation with the two rows of cans tightly bound together.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 25,111 1/1962 Cote 206- 2,765,073 10/1956 Murray 206-65 2,818,171 12/1957 Andre 206-65 2,854,183 9/ 1958 Srofe 206-65 2,867,320 1/ 1959 Andre 206-65 3,006,530 10/1961 Forrer 229-40 3,010,573 11/1961 Chidsey 206-65 3,022,888 2/1962 Brunsing 206-65 3,042,283 7/1962 De Paul 229-40 3,049,282 8/ 1962 Chidsey et al. 206-65 3,081,928 3/ 1963 Chidsey, et al. 229-40 JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner.

EARL I. DRUMMOND, GEORGE O. RALSTON,

FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Examiners.

I. J. HOEY, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A CAN PACKAGE COMPRISING TWO ROWS OF CANS HAVING CHINES AT OPPOSITE ENDS THEREOF AND A PAPERBOARD CARTON TIGHTLY ENCLOSING THE CANS SO AS TO FORM AN OPEN ENDED TUBULAR CARRIER WITH PORTIONS OF THE CARTON WALLS AT THE ENDS OF THE CANS BEING FOLDED INWARDLY BETWEEN THE ENDS OF THE CANS SO AS TO FORM LONGITUDINAL PARTITIONS EACH HAVING AN OUTWARDLY OPENING V-SHAPED CROSS SECTION AND SAID PARTITIONS HAVING APERTURES CUT THEREIN WHICH RECEIVE PORTIONS OF THE CHINES OF THE CANS IN EACH ROW THEREOF WHEREBY TO FIRMLY ANCHOR THE CANS AGAINST MOVEMENT IN BOTH VERTICAL AND LONGITUDINAL DIRECTIONS AND TO RESTRAIN THE CANS AGAINST MOVEMENT OUT OF THE OPEN ENDS OF THE CARRIER. 